Diabetes and Protein Imbalances Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline, Study Finds

Hello and welcome to Thursday’s STEAM newsletter! We bring you summaries of the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Hot Surfaces Can Make Liquid Jets Levitate Like Droplets, Study Shows, Researchers Create "Shadow of a Laser" Using Ruby and Laser Beams.

• Technology and AI - Dung Beetle-Inspired Robot Shows Potential for Efficient Object Manipulation, New Touch-Sensitive Robot Accurately Identifies Plant Species and Growth Stages, and more.

• Engineering - New Self-Healing Coating Could Prevent Fatberg Formation in Sewers, Researchers Reinforce Concrete Using Recycled Carpet Fibers for Greater Durability, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Researchers Pinpoint Age of Water Interaction on Mars Using Lafayette Meteorite, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Customizable Hydrogel Scaffolds Offer New Potential for Medical Treatments, Heart Shape Influenced by Genetics May Predict Cardiovascular Disease Risk, and more.

• Neuroscience - Diabetes and Protein Imbalances Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline, Study Finds, and more.

• Environment - CO2 Emissions Set to Break Records in 2024, Dashing Hopes for a Peak.

• Nature - Stress in Group Members Spreads and Alters Social Dynamics in Zebra Finches, Reed Warblers Use Earth's Magnetic Field to Navigate Like a GPS, Birds of Prey in England at Risk from Increasing Rodenticide Exposure, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - 80-Million-Year-Old Bird Fossil Offers Insight into Brain Evolution.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Hot Surfaces Can Make Liquid Jets Levitate Like Droplets, Study Shows: Researchers have discovered that jets of liquid can levitate above hot surfaces, extending the well-known Leidenfrost effect seen in water droplets. In experiments led by Franck Celestini at Côte d’Azur University, ethanol jets bounced off plates heated to 200-300°C without making contact, thanks to a cushion of vapor. This effect was observed when jets hit the plate at angles steeper than 50 degrees. The findings could improve cooling processes in industries like nuclear reactors, metal production, and firefighting, where liquid sprays sometimes fail to cool surfaces due to the Leidenfrost effect.

Researchers Create "Shadow of a Laser" Using Ruby and Laser Beams: Scientists have discovered a way to make a laser beam cast a shadow using a ruby cube and two laser beams. Raphael Abrahao and his team at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that by shining a green laser through a ruby while illuminating it with a blue laser from the side, the ruby's atoms were altered in a way that blocked the blue light. This resulted in a shadow shaped like the green laser beam, visible to the naked eye. The experiment reveals a new method for manipulating light, potentially useful in technologies that control laser light intensity.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

New Computational Model Mimics Octopus Arm Movements for Robotics: Researchers have developed a high-fidelity computational model that replicates the complex muscular architecture and movements of octopus arms. Led by Mattia Gazzola and Prashant Mehta at the University of Illinois, the study uses MRI and motion data to simulate how octopus arms achieve nearly infinite degrees of motion. By simplifying control with topological quantities, the model drastically reduces computational complexity. This research, which bridges biology and robotics, aims to inspire the design of soft robots capable of intricate movements. Future work will explore controlling all eight arms simultaneously, potentially leading to robotic prototypes for practical applications.

Dung Beetle-Inspired Robot Shows Potential for Efficient Object Manipulation: Researchers have developed a robot, named ALPHA, that mimics the unique locomotion and object manipulation abilities of dung beetles. Designed by a team of roboticists from multiple institutions, the robot uses a modular, neural-based control system to move and manipulate large objects, much like its insect counterpart. Unlike traditional robots trained with machine learning, ALPHA relies on simple biomechanical principles to control its legs. Tests showed that the robot can push large, hollow balls and transport materials, making it ideal for tasks like search-and-rescue operations on rough terrain. The team hopes their approach will inspire future robotic designs based on natural locomotion strategies.

New Touch-Sensitive Robot Accurately Identifies Plant Species and Growth Stages: Chinese researchers have developed a robot that can identify plant species and their growth stages by "touching" their leaves with an electrode, achieving up to 97.7% accuracy. Unlike traditional visual methods, which can be affected by lighting and weather conditions, this robot measures properties like texture, water content, and electrical resistance. The technology could transform crop management, enabling farmers to monitor plant health, optimize watering, and detect diseases early. However, current limitations include difficulty with complex leaf structures. Future developments aim to expand its plant database and improve real-time data processing for broader agricultural applications.

Scalable Ising Machines Show 400x Speed Improvement in Solving Optimization Problems: Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed an innovative method to enhance the scalability of Ising machines, which are specialized systems for solving complex optimization problems like scheduling and route planning. By reorganizing the interaction matrix of spins, the team, led by Professor Takayuki Kawahara, achieved a design that halves circuit size without compromising connectivity. Their new approach allowed two fully connected Ising machines to run on a single board, solving two optimization problems simultaneously with 384 spins each—performing 400 times faster than conventional CPUs. This breakthrough could revolutionize fields like drug discovery, data center optimization, and sustainable energy management.

ENGINEERING

New Self-Healing Coating Could Prevent Fatberg Formation in Sewers: Engineers at RMIT University have developed a zinc-enhanced polyurethane coating that reduces the formation of fatbergs in concrete sewer pipes. Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) contribute to nearly half of sewer blockages in the US and Australia, costing billions in maintenance. The new coating decreases calcium release from concrete by up to 80% and reduces FOG build-up by 30%. Additionally, it is water-stable, heat-resistant, and has self-healing properties inspired by human skin, extending its lifespan. The research team aims to further improve the coating's performance and is also working on advanced systems to prevent grease build-up in commercial kitchens.

Researchers Reinforce Concrete Using Recycled Carpet Fibers for Greater Durability: Engineers at RMIT University in Australia have developed a method to enhance the strength and crack resistance of concrete by incorporating scrap carpet fibers. This innovation addresses early-age shrinkage cracking, reducing it by up to 30%, and increases concrete’s tensile strength by 40%. With the construction sector in Australia facing repair costs of A$8 billion annually, the approach offers a sustainable solution using waste materials. The project, which includes collaborations with industry and local councils, aims to reduce the environmental impact of textile waste while improving concrete durability. Field trials are underway to test the method in real-world conditions.

New Reactor Developed for Efficient Lithium Extraction from Brines: Researchers at Rice University have created an electrochemical reactor that efficiently extracts lithium from natural brine, a promising solution for the growing demand in battery production. The reactor uses a specialized membrane to selectively separate lithium from other ions, achieving 97.5% purity while minimizing harmful by-products like chlorine gas. This method is safer and more environmentally friendly than traditional extraction techniques. While some issues with sodium buildup were noted, this innovation could greatly enhance the efficiency of lithium extraction, supporting the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Researchers Pinpoint Age of Water Interaction on Mars Using Lafayette Meteorite: Scientists at Purdue University have dated minerals in the Lafayette Meteorite, confirming that liquid water interacted with it on Mars approximately 742 million years ago. This Martian meteorite, found in a drawer at Purdue in 1931, reveals signs of water-rock interactions that likely occurred due to the melting of subsurface ice, possibly triggered by magmatic activity. The study, led by Marissa Tremblay, used noble gases to determine that the dating was not affected by the meteorite’s journey through space or entry into Earth’s atmosphere. These findings provide new insights into Mars' ancient climate and potential subsurface water activity.

Study Unveils Explosive Reactions on Icy Worlds Triggered by Freezing, Not Heating: Researchers from Northern Arizona University discovered that explosive "outbursts" can occur when compounds like nitrogen and methane freeze under extremely cold conditions, rather than heating up like typical volcanic eruptions. The study, led by Shaelyn Raposa and Anna Engle, used a unique lab setup to replicate Pluto and Titan’s frigid environments. Unexpected pressure spikes occurred when gas mixtures solidified, suggesting that temperature drops, not increases, can trigger eruptions on icy celestial bodies. This phenomenon may explain explosive features observed on moons like Titan and Enceladus, offering new insights into extraterrestrial geology and planetary exploration.

Basalt Spectral Library Developed to Detect Water on Exoplanets: Cornell researchers have developed a library of basalt spectral signatures that could help identify the composition of rocky exoplanets and potentially detect evidence of water. By studying basalt samples on Earth, the team, led by Esteban Gazel and Emily First, aims to interpret data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Basaltic rocks, common throughout the solar system, may reveal signs of water through altered minerals like amphibole or serpentine detectable in the mid-infrared spectrum. The study, which used data from the exoplanet LHS 3844b, offers a method to better understand planetary surfaces, aiding future exploration of exoplanets for signs of past or present water.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Customizable Hydrogel Scaffolds Offer New Potential for Medical Treatments: Researchers at Penn State have developed customizable hydrogel scaffolds that can direct cell behavior, potentially revolutionizing treatments for wound healing, cancer therapy, and organ regeneration. By adjusting the packing density of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microgels within these scaffolds, scientists can influence how cells migrate, proliferate, or remain confined. Loosely packed scaffolds promote cell movement, aiding tissue integration, while densely packed ones restrict cell motion, useful for studying cancer metastasis. The research suggests a future of personalized medicine where scaffolds can be tailored to individual patients, enhancing recovery and treatment efficacy. Further testing on human tissues is planned to advance clinical applications.

Heart Shape Influenced by Genetics May Predict Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A new study involving researchers from Queen Mary University of London and other institutions has found that the genetic factors influencing the shape of the human heart could serve as a key predictor for cardiovascular disease. By using 3D imaging and machine learning on MRI data from over 40,000 participants in the UK Biobank, researchers identified 11 dimensions of heart shape and linked them to 45 genetic regions, 14 of which were previously unknown. This novel focus on heart shape, rather than just size or volume, could provide clinicians with more precise tools for early disease prediction, potentially transforming cardiac risk assessment and personalized medicine.

Study Links Air Pollution to Doubling of Eczema Rates in Polluted Areas: A recent study has strengthened the link between air pollution and eczema, revealing that higher exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with increased rates of the skin condition. Researchers at Yale School of Medicine, led by Jeffrey Cohen, analyzed health data from over 280,000 participants in the US. They found that eczema cases more than doubled with every 10 microgram per cubic metre increase in PM2.5 levels. The findings suggest PM2.5 particles may trigger inflammation by activating the immune system. The study supports stricter air pollution regulations to mitigate health risks.

NEUROSCIENCE

Diabetes and Protein Imbalances Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline, Study Finds: A long-term study led by Johns Hopkins University has identified key factors linked to accelerated brain aging and earlier onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Using data from the BIOCARD cohort, which tracked 185 participants over 20 years, researchers found that individuals with type 2 diabetes and low ratios of amyloid β peptides (Aβ42 to Aβ40) in their cerebrospinal fluid faced a significantly higher risk of progressing to MCI. High rates of white matter shrinkage and ventricular enlargement were also strong predictors of cognitive decline. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and targeted interventions to prevent or delay dementia onset.

Study Unveils How Brain Predicts Melodies, Revealing Differences Between Musicians and Non-Musicians: Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences have discovered how the human brain predicts upcoming musical notes, with differences in how musicians and non-musicians process melodies. Using EEG recordings, the study found that uncertainty (entropy) in melodies influences brain activity across different frequency bands, particularly in the delta (1-4 Hz) and beta (12-30 Hz) ranges. Musicians exhibited stronger predictive processing in the beta band, while non-musicians showed enhanced activity in the alpha band (8-12 Hz). These findings provide new insights into the neural dynamics of music cognition, potentially advancing the understanding of how musical training shapes brain function.

ENVIRONMENT

CO2 Emissions Set to Break Records in 2024, Dashing Hopes for a Peak: Global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are projected to reach a record 41.6 gigatonnes in 2024, according to the latest Global Carbon Budget report presented at COP29 in Azerbaijan. This represents a 2% increase from 2023, largely driven by fossil fuel use despite efforts to reduce emissions. The study highlights that nearly 90% of emissions are from fossil fuels, with the rest from deforestation and wildfires. Although the growth rate of fossil fuel emissions has slowed, it remains insufficient to curb global warming. Experts warn that the world may exhaust its carbon budget to limit warming to 1.5°C within six years if current trends continue. While emissions in China, the US, and the EU have stabilized or declined, rising electricity demand, particularly due to hot weather, has offset gains from renewable energy investments. Urgent action is needed to accelerate the transition to renewable energy to avoid surpassing critical climate thresholds.

NATURE

Stress in Group Members Spreads and Alters Social Dynamics in Zebra Finches: Researchers at the University of Konstanz and Australian National University found that stress responses in individual zebra finches can influence the behavior of their entire group, even affecting birds that were not directly exposed to stressors. In experiments, stressed birds triggered behavioral changes in non-stressed members, leading to reduced movement and weaker social bonds. This contagion effect could limit resource access and decrease social cohesion in wild bird populations, potentially affecting their survival. The study highlights how individual stress can have far-reaching impacts on group dynamics and animal fitness.

Reed Warblers Use Earth's Magnetic Field to Navigate Like a GPS: New research reveals that Eurasian reed warblers can use Earth’s magnetic field not only as a compass but also to calculate their position on a mental map. Scientists at Bangor University and Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park in Germany tested this by altering magnetic field conditions for migrating warblers. The birds adjusted their flight direction as if they had been transported 2700 kilometers away, indicating they can sense both magnetic inclination and declination to determine their location. This suggests that these birds have a remarkable natural "GPS" system, though how this works neurologically remains a mystery.

Birds of Prey in England at Risk from Increasing Rodenticide Exposure: A new report from the environmental group Wild Justice reveals that birds of prey in England, particularly red kites and buzzards, are being increasingly exposed to high levels of rodenticides, despite a UK government scheme to reduce such incidents. Post-mortem data from 2005 to 2022 shows a significant rise in anticoagulant poisons found in the livers of these birds, with nearly all tested between 2020 and 2022 being affected. Campaigners blame loosened regulations and improper use by gamekeepers and farmers. Wild Justice calls for stricter controls, limiting harmful rodenticides to indoor use to prevent further wildlife poisonings.

Illuminating Surfboards and Wetsuits Could Deter Great White Shark Attacks: Researchers have found that installing lights on the underside of surfboards, kayaks, or wetsuits could significantly reduce attacks by great white sharks. Experiments in South Africa, led by Macquarie University, used illuminated seal decoys to disrupt sharks' silhouettes and deter attacks. Decoys with bright LED lighting saw no shark incidents, while unlit controls were frequently attacked. Continuous lighting proved more effective than strobe lights, with horizontal strips outperforming vertical ones. The approach aims to protect swimmers and surfers by leveraging sharks' visual perception. However, the effectiveness on other shark species like tiger and bull sharks remains uncertain.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

80-Million-Year-Old Bird Fossil Offers Insight into Brain Evolution: Palaeontologists have reconstructed the brain of an ancient bird species, Navaornis hestiae, thanks to a remarkably preserved fossil discovered in Brazil. Dating back 80 million years to the Cretaceous period, Navaornis bridges the evolutionary gap between early bird-like dinosaurs, such as Archaeopteryx, and modern birds. Using high-resolution CT scanning, scientists created a 3D model of its brain, revealing that its cognitive and flying abilities were less developed compared to today's birds. This discovery sheds light on the gradual evolution of avian brain structures, providing crucial insight into the progression toward the complex brains of modern birds.